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School recess bell won't bust noise ordinance

It's safe for the recess bell to ring again at one southwestern Michigan school.

AP Wire

kalamazoo County

Nov 28, 2012

Trustees in Kalamazoo County's Kalamazoo Township voted unanimously Monday to amend an ordinance to exempt noises sanctioned by or made by governmental units or schools. It includes exemptions for emergency vehicles and street repairs, for example.

Township Supervisor Ron Reid said police cited Reformed Heritage Christian School for a noise ordinance violation because the bell exceeded a decibel limit in the ordinance. The violation came despite efforts by the school to quiet the bell with a box around it and by adding muffling material.

The issue was brought to the board's attention by an area resident. But the board determined that noises such as school bells should be expected by those living nearby.